Dutch Journalism student living in Brisbane

The perks of being a live blogger

Many, according to Brisbane Times Queensland political reporter Amy Remeikis.

During the very informative and surprisingly fun guest lecture this week we learnt that reporting from Queensland Parliament’s weekly Question Time can be done in an informative yet FUN way.

Yes, fun and politics, Amy thinks it is a very fertile combination and the live blog is the living proof of this.

On the Question Time live blog Amy keeps Queenslanders updated on what’s happening inside the chamber whilst keeping the vibe relaxed and playful.

Amy involves the public into her live blog through the Dixer requests people can put in, which is cleverly Led from the term Dorothy Dixer.

Dorothy Dix was an American journalist who was the pioneer in the world of advice columns. She was renown to frame questions and publish prepared answers. In Australia the term Dorothy Dixer is now referred to when a minister gets asked a question from their own party that allows him to make an announcement hidden as a reply.

The music delivered through the Dixer Requests combined with the funny and informal tone throughout the live blog truly make up a fun ensemble of what most people would consider to be boring stuff.

When asked how to get people to care about politics -because we all know it can be very dry- and specifically how to become a successful blogger, Amy has a few key points.

Write with a sense of humour- Because yes, you CAN do this with something not automatically loaded up with fun, like politics.

Context is key -Especially in digital journalism. Tell the people why it is important and play with the concept of context.

Don’t talk down on your audience – Back in the days journalists could come off as arrogant as they felt they were the ones who informed the public of what was going on in the world. Now we not only know who is reading, but audience participation has also grown immensely. And thank god, journos are not snobby pricks anymore. Well, most of them, anyway. Take a smart position in this public-journo relationship.

Find out what the topics are that make non-journalists talk. Sure, the topics you and your journo friends discuss in your own little bubble are immensely interesting, but just consider how someone who isn’t on top of news 24/7 would receive it.

l I can conclude this was one of the more enjoyable lectures in my course so far. Real life tips from a real life journo… Man, I really do go to a university for the REAL world.